11 hurt as jeepney plunges into Lagusnilad

Eleven people were injured when a wayward passenger jeepney went over the railing and fell into the Lagusnilad underpass in Ermita, Manila, before dawn on Wednesday.

The driver, identified only as Arman, fled after the incident and remained at large at press time, according to SPO1 Richard Borbon, an investigator from the Manila District’s Traffic Enforcement Unit. Arman, who also appeared to have sustained injuries on his head and arms, was last seen taking a pedicab going to Divisoria, Borbon said.

The jeepney was passing through Padre Burgos Avenue, the street above and running parallel to Lagusnilad, when it lost control around 3 a.m. Passengers injured in the crash were brought to Philippine General Hospital, including 29-year-old Brian Barquin who broke a leg.

Speaking to the police, Barquin said the driver suddenly swerved to avoid hitting a street child crossing the road. The vehicle first hit a post before falling into the underpass.–Jodee A. Agoncillo